LONDON: Prince William's wife Kate gave birth to a baby boy on Monday, providing Britain's royal family with a future king in an event that had been anticipated around the world, Kensington palace said. Crowds cheered and rushed towards the gates of Buckingham Palace as it was announced that the Duchess of Cambridge had produced a male heir weighing 8lbs 6oz (3.8 kilos).
The baby will be third in line to the throne and in the direct line of succession after head of state Queen Elizabeth II's eldest son and heir Prince Charles, and then his eldest son William.
"Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge was safely delivered of a son at 4:24 pm (1524 GMT)," Kensington Palace said in a statement just over four hours afterwards. "The baby weighs 8lbs 6oz. The Duke of Cambridge was present for the birth." The boy's name was not revealed, but he will be known as Prince of Cambridge.
The former Kate Middleton was admitted to the private Lindo Wing of St. Mary's Hospital, Paddington, central London, at around 6:00 am in the midst of a summer thunderstorm. The birth was later officially announced to great cheers on a golden easel placed in the forecourt of Buckingham Palace.
US President Barack Obama's spokesman had earlier said that he and the first family were "waiting with anticipation" for the birth and "wish the family and all of Great Britain well on this pending momentous occasion."